Amazon turbine may 'erode' heritage, warns group

Amazon is seeking to build a wind turbine on its distribution site

A new wind turbine planned for an Amazon distribution centre may further "erode" a nearby hamlet's heritage, residents have warned.

The multinational company is seeking planning permission to build the 459ft (140m) structure next to one of its centres in Bowburn, County Durham.

Tursdale Residents Association said the turbine would "tower over" the landscape and urged Durham County Council to reject the plans.

Amazon said the turbine would cut the amount of fossil fuels required to power the distribution hub.

The residents' group said the area had historically been a "rural hamlet", even though it was now described as "industrialised", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"We feel our heritage and quality of life are being quickly eroded," it said.

The group said despite being the closest residential settlement to the proposed site, Tursdale had been excluded from any visual or environmental impact assessments.

"Our prior experience with the Amazon development has left many in the community disillusioned," the group said.

"We are not confident that promises made now regarding this turbine will be honoured."

Amazon said it had launched a public consultation over the turbine in July and had delivered more than 5,000 leaflets to nearby homes regarding the plans.

"Overall the environmental impacts of the proposed development are considered to be minimal," a spokesperson said.